JHQVAMC Employee Association holds Holiday Festival and Market
MOUNTAIN HOME, TN — The VA Employee Association (VAEA) at James H. Quillen VA Medical Center (JHQVAMC) hosted its second annual Holiday Festival and Market on December 2, 2022, for medical center employees.
The event included food trucks, music and dancing, a firepit with seating, and the opportunity to take a picture with Santa and the Grinch. Employees and their families browsed the goods of local vendors and watched the lighting of a Menorah and the Mountain Home Tree.
The tree was lit by guest of honor Dr. David S. Hecht, former JHQVAMC Chief of Staff. As Chief of Staff, Dr. Hecht was responsible for all clinical issues that affected the medical staff and for overseeing the clinical, teaching and research services provided by it. Prior to this appointment, Dr. Hecht held the position of Chief of Surgery.
Medical Center Director Dean B. Borsos spoke during the ceremony, thanking staff for their accomplishments this year.
“We know there’s been some challenges, but as usual you guys are superstars,” he said. “You’re absolutely amazing.”
Borsos went on to encourage the crowd to reach out and say kind words to each other during this time of year.
Donny Brock, who attended with his wife and son, acknowledged the difficult period medical staff have endured and is thankful for family-oriented activities to interact with other employees.
“It’s been a stressful time in healthcare the past few years.” he said. “It’s wonderful of the VAEA to provide these events for the staff and their families to relax and spend time together.”
Attendees witnessed the Grinch arriving by JHQVAMC police car, which he escaped to greet the crowd and begin taking photos at his designated station. Santa Clause arrived later by Johnson City Fire Department engine, waving to the crowd of families as the truck lights flashed and sirens wailed. Santa spent time greeting the crowd as he made his way to his station for photos. Lines of families immediately formed to take pictures for both.
VAEA President Jessica Shivers hopes to see the event continue beyond her tenure, as she will be stepping down from her position this year.
“The 2nd Annual Tree Lighting event was a great success! I had many people tell me how much they had been looking forward to it,” said Shivers. “It was nice seeing all the employees and their families taking part in all the festivities that surround this event.”